Barrier Island EcoTours (BIET), a locally owned Isle of Palms ecotour company, is excited to host its first-ever women’s coastal skills workshop on Saturday, Jan. 31 from 12:30 to 6 p.m. Designed for women who are curious about coastal skills or looking to refresh what they know, the workshop offers hands-on instruction that empowers participants to enjoy the many recreational opportunities across the Lowcountry’s salt marshes and barrier islands.
The workshop begins with a visit to a local oyster bed, where BIET naturalists will demonstrate how to identify, harvest and responsibly handle oysters, clams and mussels. Guests will then travel to Capers Island for an instructional fishing session covering rod selection, knot tying, rig making, where to fish, regulations, lures and bait, safe de-hooking and releasing and a fillet demonstration. Participants will also learn the basics of casting a net, shrimping and crabbing.
Courtney of Golden Girls Outdoors will lead an introduction to boat driving, navigation and beach anchoring. Once on the beach, guests will cook their harvest over an open fire and enjoy some of BIET Co-founder Shane Ziegler’s famous fish stew! The experience continues with a one-way nature walk to the island’s boneyard beach and along inland trails to learn about wildlife and edible native plants. The day concludes with a relaxing sunset cruise back to the Isle of Palms marina.
Tickets are $170 per person and can be purchased here. Follow BIET on Instagram and Facebook for updates.
For those unable to attend the workshop, BIET is also partnering with the City of Isle of Palms Recreation Department to host a free speaker series event on Jan. 10 at 10:30 a.m., where they will teach ladies fishing and coasting skills.